CNN anchor Kasie Hunt abruptly ended a debate preview with Trump campaign press secretary Karoline Leavitt after Leavitt repeatedly criticized the moderators, Jake Tapper and Dana Bash, for their past negative comments about Trump.
Leavitt defended Trump’s readiness for the debate, accused CNN of bias, and highlighted the moderators’ perceived hostility towards Trump.
Trump “doesn’t have to hide away and have his advisers tell him what to say,” Leavitt said in reference to Joe Biden.
Trump “knows what he wants to say” and will “relay his vision to the American people to make this country strong, safe, secure and wealthy again,” she added.
Trump is “knowingly going into a hostile environment” she said regarding CNN’s moderation of the event.
“Jake Tapper and Dana Bash have acquitted themselves as professionals as they have covered campaigns and interviewed candidates from all sides of the aisle,” Leavitt said.
Hunt defended her colleagues and warned Leavitt about attacking them, leading to the interview’s swift termination.
Hunt said, “I’ll also say that if you talk to analysts of debates, previous, that if you’re attacking the moderators, you’re usually losing.”
Hunt then questioned Leavitt regarding expectations for Trump’s debate.
Leavitt said, “Well, first of all, it takes about five minutes to Google ‘Jake Tapper, Donald Trump’ to see that Jake Tapper has —”
“Ma’am,” Hunt cut in, “we’re going to stop this interview if you’re going to keep attacking my colleagues.”
“Now I’m sorry. We’re going to come back after the panel. Karoline, thanks very much for your time. You are welcome to come back at any point,” Hunt said.
Hunt added, “She is welcome to come back and speak about Donald Trump. And Donald Trump will have equal time to Joe Biden when they both join us … later this week in Atlanta for this debate.”
“You come on my show, you respect my colleagues. Period. I don’t care what side of the aisle you stand on, as my track record clearly shows,” Hunt said.
Leavitt claimed unfair treatment and expressed Trump’s determination to convey his message effectively despite perceived adversities.
“You cut off my microphone for bringing up the debate moderator’s history of anti-Trump lies,” Leavitt said.
She added, “This proved our point that President Trump will not be treated fairly on Thursday. Yet he is still willing to go into this 3-1 fight to bring his winning message to the American people, and he will win.”
